Chelsea are leading the chase for Brentford midfielder Jordan Henderson, as the club shifts its transfer focus toward experience ahead of the new season.

The 36-year-old is expected to be available on a free transfer, with Brentford willing to release him ahead of schedule. Henderson signed a two-year contract with the west London club last summer after a stint of 18 months at Ajax.

A pivot toward experience

Chelsea's recruitment strategy has undergone a notable change this summer. Having spent recent years heavily targeting young talent, the club is now actively pursuing seasoned professionals to bolster the squad.

Henderson fits that mould precisely. He served as a commanding presence in Thomas Tuchel's England World Cup dressing room and brings decades of top-flight leadership to any side he joins.

The Blues are not alone in their pursuit — two other Premier League clubs are also believed to be monitoring Henderson's situation.

Part of a broader recruitment drive

The push for Henderson is one of several moves Chelsea are weighing this summer. The club has also targeted Granit Xhaka, the 33-year-old former Arsenal midfielder now at Sunderland, while Brighton striker Danny Welbeck, 35, has been identified as a potential addition to the forward line.

Additionally, SunSport reported that Chelsea are exploring a move for former Manchester City defender John Stones, who is available on a free transfer after his contract at the Etihad Stadium expired.

Henderson's career journey

Henderson began his professional life at Sunderland, making 79 appearances for the club before Liverpool secured his signature in 2011. He spent 12 years at Anfield, succeeding Steven Gerrard as captain and amassing an extraordinary medal collection — including a Premier League title, the UEFA Champions League, an FA Cup, two League Cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

As his playing time diminished, Henderson reunited with Gerrard at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023. The move drew widespread criticism, and he returned to Europe within months, joining Ajax on a permanent deal in January 2024 before moving to Brentford ahead of last season.